Systems and methods for harnessing resources

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to, among other items, a concentrating reflector comprising: a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing or food-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone, for example, a beverage-brewing device such as for brewing coffee or tea; a kernel-popping device such as for popping popcorn, among others. 
     The present invention further discloses collapsible, nesting reflector apparatus, whereby a plurality of the apparatus, when in a collapsed condition, are compactly stackable to facilitate portage and storage. 
     The present invention also discloses improved methods for enabling solar energy to be used to prepare edible materials for human consumption.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/797,226 of John R. Essig Jr and James M Essig filed 1 May 2007 (now scheduled to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,726,906 on 1 Jun. 2010), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/254,023 of John R. Essig Jr and James M Essig filed 20 Oct. 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,612,735 issued 3 Nov. 2009), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/729,145 filed 4 Dec. 2003 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,382,332 issued 3 Jun. 2008), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/156,814 filed 30 May 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,897,832 issued 24 May 2005).

The entire specification and application (including Description, Drawing, and Claims) contained within each of these related applications, both as filed and as amended (where applicable), are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved resource harnessing and/or management systems, and to methods of producing and using such resources harnessing and/or management systems, wherein the harnessed and/or managed resource may include, as non-limiting examples, solar energy, wind energy, rain or other precipitation, and/or other renewable or non-renewable resources.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A primary embodiment of the present invention comprises an improved concentrating reflector apparatus operable to concentrate solar energy and/or other radiant electromagnetic energy, wherein the apparatus is further characterized a having one or more improved features that enhance functionality, performance, ease-of-use, safety, and/or economy.

Related embodiments of the present invention comprise one or more improved methods of using a concentrating reflector apparatus to process foodstuffs and/or other materials.

Other related embodiments of the present invention comprise accessory elements incorporating improved features that enhance functionality, performance, ease-of-use, safety, and/or economy.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a representative schematic view cross-sectional view of a concentrating reflector apparatus being used as a broad-spectrum electromagnetic (e.g., solar) energy concentrator for processing materials such as for heating, cooking, pasteurizing, otherwise preparing edible material for human consumption, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a modified apparatus illustrating an alternate configuration for the safety cage and support element, wherein the safety cage and the support element each comprise a portion of a collapsible globe-shaped structure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a modified apparatus illustrating another alternate configuration for the safety cage and support element, wherein a combination safety cage and support element comprise a collapsible globe-shaped structure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side-elevational view of an alternate reflector apparatus having an alternate support and orienting apparatus comprising a yoke assembly.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side-elevational view of an alternate reflector apparatus having an alternate support and orienting apparatus comprising a rotating gimbal assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

FIG. 1 depicts the modular reflector apparatus 600 being used to concentrate solar energy 28 to heat or cook materials 922 contained in a vessel 920 supported in proximity to the focal point by the cable-stayed focal point support 618. Other non-limiting examples of heating or cooking accessories which may be used for heating or cooking food (or for other purposes) include: pots, pans, ovens, woks, pressure cookers, two-sided cooking accessories, flat griddle plates, waffle irons, pie irons, muffin tins, cake pans, toasters, coffee makers, kettles, steamers, and the like, each of which generally has a radiant-energy-absorbing (e.g., matte black) external surface that is suitable for absorbing solar radiation.

Note that while such external surfaces absorb radiant energy, these heated surfaces also tend to loose a significant amount of heat energy through conduction, convection, and radiation, thus reducing overall heating efficiency of the heat-absorbing device. To improve heating efficiency, each of the various heating vessels or cooking accoutrements noted above (or other radiant-energy-absorbing heating devices) optionally may have a heat-absorbing surface which is conductively and/or convectively insulated by enclosing or encasing the energy-absorbing surface in a transparent or clear enclosure 921, wherein an insulating gap 923 is provided between the heat-absorbing surface and the transparent enclosure. The gap optionally can fluidically communicate via opening or ports with the surrounding atmosphere, whereby the gap is typically filled with air. Alternatively, the gap can be sealed, whereby it may be filled with a less-conductive gas, or be evacuated. Note that such an insulating enclosure also promotes safety by reducing heat transfer from the vessel to the enclosure, thus keeping the external surface cooler under one or more operating conditions, such as when resting the vessel on a table after removal from the source of energy. Note that the other surfaces of the vessel can be insulated by any suitable means.

FIG. 2 is a representative schematic perspective view of a modified apparatus 2090 illustrating an alternate configuration for the safety cage and support element, wherein the safety cage 2092 and the support element 2094 each comprise a portion of a collapsible globe-shaped structure 2096 wherein each side of the collapsible globe-shaped structure comprise a plurality (e.g., five) of semicircular rigid elements 2098 rotatably attached (e.g., pinned) to one side of the rigid concentrating reflector 2014 of the reflector apparatus 2090 at diametrically opposed pin joints 2100, and which further comprise a single cord or cable stay 2102 as shown, (or a plurality of cords or cable stays) connected to the semicircular rigid elements 2104 and to the concentrating reflector 2014 to stabilize the collapsible structure.

FIG. 3 is a representative schematic perspective view of a modified apparatus 2110 illustrating an alternate configuration for the safety cage and support element, wherein the safety cage 2112 and the support element 2114 comprise a collapsible globe-shaped structure comprising a plurality (e.g., twelve) of semicircular rigid elements 2098, which are rotatably attached (e.g., pinned) to each other via pin joints 2100 located above and below the concentrating reflector 2014 along the focal axis 2028 of the device, and which are further attached to the concentrating reflector both to support the concentrating reflector and to stabilize the collapsible structure 2112.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side-elevational view of an alternate apparatus 2150 having an alternate support and orienting apparatus 2152 comprising a yoke assembly 2154, which has its upper end rotatably attached to the reflector element 2014 and/or the safety cage 2012 to enable rotation about a horizontal axis 2156 to permit elevational adjustments in orientation, and which has its lower portion rotatably attached to a support base 2158 to enable rotation about a vertical axis 2160 to permit azimuthal adjustment in orientation.

FIG. 5 is a schematic side-elevational view of an alternate apparatus 2170 having an alternate support and orienting apparatus 2172 comprising a rotating gimbal assembly 2174, wherein the reflector element 2014 and/or the safety cage 2012 are rotatably attached via pivoting (e.g., pin) joints 2176 to a collar 2178 to enable rotation about a horizontal axis 2180 to permit elevational adjustments in orientation, and the collar 2178 is further rotatably attached to a frame 2182 to enable rotation about a vertical axis 2160 to permit azimuthal adjustment in orientation. FIG. 5 depicts the frame 2182 as comprising a substantially horizontally oriented circular rim 2184 or ring being supported by a plurality of generally vertical supports 2186 or legs; however, the invention contemplates that any suitable frame may be employed, including a rigid or collapsible frame.

The preceding descriptions and related figures provide only a few non-limiting examples of the present invention, and numerous other configurations are anticipated without departing from the nature of the present invention.

Summarized below are some the more salient aspects of the present invention, many of which are reiterated in the claims of the present application.

Inventive aspects of the present invention relate to, among other items, a concentrating reflector comprising a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone.

More specifically, material-processing devices my include, among other devices, one or more of the follow food-processing devices: (a) a beverage-brewing device such as for brewing coffee or tea; (b) a kernel-popping device such as a popcorn popper; (c) a steamer device; (d) a grilling device; (e) a griddle device; (f) a multi-sided iron device; (g) a baking device such as an oven; (h) a pasteurizing device; and (i) a coverable vessel. Each of these items may further incorporate an insulating transparent envelope 921 covering at least a portion of the energy-absorbing structure to enhance performance and/or safety. Of course, various a combinations are anticipated.

In still greater detail, note that the material-processing device can be a beverage-brewing device comprising a pulse-type or “drip-type” coffee maker having a heating element with a radiant-energy-absorbing surface positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone.

Similarly, the material-processing device can be a kernel-popping device comprising a vessel having a radiant-energy-absorbing surface positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone and a kernel stirring device. Note that the stirring device can be manually powered, mechanically powered, and/or electrically powered (such as by a PV panel, battery, or other source of electrical power).

Alternatively, the kernel-popping device may comprise an air-popper type popcorn popper, for which a radiant-energy-absorbing air-heating device is positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone of the reflector to provide a source of heated air, and a solar-powered fan device is configured to provide both a kernel stirring function and a popped-kernel extraction function.

The apparatus can also incorporate one or more material-processing devices having various features, non-limiting examples of which include: (a) a vessel or compartment having a radiant-energy-absorbing air-heating device, such as for heating an oven, dehydrator, etc.; (b) a vessel with a steam-activated signal device; (c) a vessel with a temperature-activated signal device; (d) a vessel with a pressure-activated signal device; (e) a vessel with a temperature-activated control device; (f) a pressurizable vessel with a temperature-activated control device; (g) a pressurizable vessel with a pressure-activated control device; (h) a pressurizable vessel with a pressure-relief valve; (i) vessel having an insulating transparent envelope covering at least a portion of the energy-absorbing structure; (j) a vessel having a solar-powered stirring device; (k) a vessel having a solar-powered fan device; and (l) a combination thereof.

To further enhance safety, the concentrating reflector apparatus may further incorporate an off-axis light attenuator device. Further, the structure comprising the safety member may be configured to also provide the off-axis light attenuation, such as by creating a safety cage using a plurality on thin concentric tubes oriented parallel to the focal axis of the reflector, or by using a light attenuating grid.

Another major aspect of the present invention is to provide an easily collapsible and stackable (optionally nesting) concentrating reflector. In particular, another inventive aspect the present invention relates to a concentrating reflector apparatus comprising: (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector; and (c) a support structure for supporting and orienting the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as being collapsible, and wherein the apparatus, when in a collapsed condition, is stackable to facilitate portage and storage.

In greater detail, the present invention may incorporate a rigid concentrating reflector; wherein the safety member and support structure comprise one or more collapsible frameworks, and wherein, when in a collapsed state, a first incidence of the apparatus is nestably stackable in relation to a second incidence of the apparatus to enhance portage and storage (i.e., the convex side of one rigid reflector can nest within the concave side of a second concentrating reflector, whereby a plurality of collapsed reflector apparatuses can be stacked very compactly).

Collapsible frameworks suitable for this application are well known by those skilled in the art and, thus, shall not be further elaborated herein.

Of course, such apparatus may further include a focal point support for supporting an item in proximity to the focal point or focal zone defined by the apparatus.

In addition to the aforementioned concentrating reflector apparatuses, the present invention also anticipates improved methods for using radiant solar energy.

In particular, the present invention hereby discloses a method of enabling solar energy to be used to prepare edible material for human consumption, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing or deploying, or providing and deploying, a container of pre-packaged edible material, the container having a radiant-energy-absorbing surface, wherein, when the container is deployed by exposing the radiant-energy-absorbing surface to radiant solar energy, the edible material is prepared for consumption via heating as radiant solar energy striking the radiant-energy-absorbing surface warms the container and the edible material contained therein.

Further, this method can be characterized as having a providing step, and wherein the providing step further includes providing instructions for using radiant solar energy to prepare the pre-packaged edible material. Instructions can be provided directly on the container, on a layer of removable outer packaging, with the container as a separate set of instructions, by other means of communication, or combinations thereof.

Similarly, this method can be characterized as having a providing step, within which the provided container further comprises an insulating transparent envelope 921 disposed over the radiant-energy-absorbing surface to enhance heating performance, to enhance safety, or both.

For this method (or any versions thereof) the radiant solar energy can be in the form of concentrated radiant solar energy, but also in the form of non-concentrated radiant solar energy.

Of particular note for those interested in performing compelling solar demonstrations for the general public

the pre-packaged edible material may, as a non-limiting example, comprise un-popped kernels of corn wherein, when the container is exposed to concentrated radiant solar energy, the un-popped kernels of corn explode or pop to become popped corn suitable for human consumption. For this application, the container of pre-packaged edible material is deployed by exposing the radiant-energy-absorbing surface of the container to concentrated radiant solar energy.

For this method, the concentrated radiant solar energy can be provided by a concentrating reflector apparatus. Optionally, the concentrating reflector apparatus can have a detuned surface to limit the degree of concentration, to enhance uniformity of heating, or both.

To further enhance safety, the concentrated radiant solar energy may be provided by a concentrating reflector apparatus comprising: (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector.

Once again, for this method (or any versions thereof) the pre-packaged edible material may comprise un-popped kernels of corn, wherein, when the container is exposed to concentrated solar radiation, the un-popped kernels of corn explode or pop to become popped corn suitable for human consumption.

The present invention anticipates many other variations of apparatus and methods which beyond those specifically exemplified herein or within the examples contained in the materials included by reference, but which are nonetheless intended to be covered within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having a radiant-energy-absorbing structure of one or more material-processing devices positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one material-processing device is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a beverage-brewing device; (b) a kernel-popping device; (c) a steamer device; (d) a grilling device; (e) a griddle device; (f) a multi-sided iron device; (g) a baking device; (h) a pasteurizing device; (i) a coverable vessel; (j) a vessel having an insulating transparent envelope covering at least a portion of the energy-absorbing structure; and (k) a combination thereof.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the material-processing device is a beverage-brewing device comprising a pulse-type or drip-type coffee maker having a heating element with a radiant-energy-absorbing surface positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the material-processing device is a kernel-popping device comprising a vessel having a radiant-energy-absorbing surface positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone and a kernel stirring device.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the material-processing device is a kernel-popping device comprising an air-popper type popcorn popper, for which a radiant-energy-absorbing air-heating device is positioned in proximity to the focal point or focal zone of the reflector to provide a source of heated air, and a solar-powered fan device is configured to provide both a kernel stirring function and a popped-kernel extraction function.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one material-processing device is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a vessel or compartment having a radiant-energy-absorbing air-heating device; (b) a vessel with a steam-activated signal device; (c) a vessel with a temperature-activated signal device; (d) a vessel with a pressure-activated signal device; (e) a vessel with a temperature-activated control device; (f) a pressurizable vessel with a temperature-activated control device; (g) a pressurizable vessel with a pressure-activated control device; (h) a pressurizable vessel with a pressure-relief valve; (i) a vessel having an insulating transparent envelope covering at least a portion of the energy-absorbing structure; (j) a vessel having a solar-powered stirring device; (k) a vessel having a solar-powered fan device; and (l) a combination thereof.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as having an off-axis light attenuator device.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the structure comprising the safety member is configured to also provide the off-axis light attenuation.
 9. An apparatus, comprising: (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector; and (c) a support structure for supporting and orienting the reflector, wherein the apparatus is further characterized as being collapsible, and wherein the apparatus, when in a collapsed condition, is stackable to facilitate portage and storage.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the reflector is rigid; wherein the safety member and support structure comprise one or more collapsible frameworks, and wherein, when in a collapsed state, a first incidence of the apparatus is nestably stackable in relation to a second incidence of the apparatus to enhance portage and storage.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the apparatus further includes a focal point support for supporting an item in proximity to the focal point or focal zone defined by the apparatus.
 12. A method of enabling solar energy to be used to prepare edible material for human consumption, comprising the steps of: (a) providing or deploying, or providing and deploying, a container of pre-packaged edible material, the container having a radiant-energy-absorbing surface, wherein, when the container is deployed by exposing the radiant-energy-absorbing surface to radiant solar energy, the edible material is prepared for consumption via heating as radiant solar energy striking the radiant-energy-absorbing surface warms the container and the edible material contained therein.
 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is characterized as having a providing step, and wherein the providing step further includes providing instructions for using radiant solar energy to prepare the pre-packaged edible material.
 14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is characterized as having a providing step, and the provided container further comprises an insulating transparent envelope disposed over the radiant-energy-absorbing surface.
 15. The method according to claim 12, wherein the radiant solar energy is concentrated radiant solar energy.
 16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the pre-packaged edible material comprises un-popped kernels of corn, and wherein, when the container is exposed to concentrated radiant solar energy, the un-popped kernels of corn explode or pop to become popped corn suitable for human consumption.
 17. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method is characterized as having a deploying step, wherein the container of pre-packaged edible material is deployed by exposing the radiant-energy-absorbing surface of the container to radiant solar energy.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the radiant solar energy is concentrated radiant solar energy.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the concentrated radiant solar energy is provided by a concentrating reflector apparatus.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the concentrating reflector apparatus has a detuned surface to limit the degree of concentration, to enhance uniformity of heating, or both.
 21. The method according to claim 18, wherein the concentrated radiant solar energy is provided by a concentrating reflector apparatus comprising: (a) a reflector reflective to radiant electromagnetic energy and operable to produce a concentration of electromagnetic energy; and (b) a safety member disposed to provide a physical barrier at least partially surrounding a concentration of electromagnetic energy at a focal point or focal zone defined by the reflector.
 22. The method according to claim 18, wherein the pre-packaged edible material comprises un-popped kernels of corn, and wherein, when the container is exposed to concentrated solar radiation, the un-popped kernels of corn explode or pop to become popped corn suitable for human consumption. 